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Cleon Peterson

Even if you’re not into the subject matter (pillage, blood, gore, violence, misogyny, horror, torture, pain) I can almost guarantee you will get something out of Cleon’s paintings. Aesthetically, they’re reminiscent of the violently narrative pots of ancient worlds, and are almost always monochrome – until of course when the scene depicted is what I can only describe as an orgy and the white turns to a painful red. As well as being impressively – and oppressively – huge, these paintings are a friendly reminder that although artistic styles may change through history _ horror, violent and pain never will. Happy Tuesday!

While looking through the portfolio of illustrator and designer Joe Schlaud, one particular project stopped us in our tracks with its audacious absurdity. This cheeky little series of gifs illustrate the concept of combining “ancient Kama Sutra positions with mundane everyday activities,” says Joe. The illustrator’s sarcastic tone on the subject certainly had us chuckling.

The work of Seoul-based illustrator Lee Kyutae is misty-eyed, delicate and quiet. The immense detail in each of Lee’s drawings is jaw-dropping. Pencil marks left, right and centre to create clouds, shadows, landscapes and textures of absolute delight.

Paula Bulling has an illustration style that many wish for. Each of her sketches are effortlessly lovely. Landscapes, town squares filled with people, restaurants or bedrooms, each sketched out in a style of layered fluidity.

Latvian illustrator Zane Zlemeša’s delicately painted drawings are pieces you can spend a long time gazing at. Layered, textured, detailed, her illustrations are individually characteristic, whether they are depicting an interior, a landscape or an individual.

Illustrator Aaron Fernandez depicts a cast of funny fellows in his fluoro palette of highlighter yellow, pink and green. Taking on commissions for Buzzfeed News and Giphy Studios as well as some self-initiated student work for The New York Times, Aaron’s bright and happy sensibilities are portrayed through not only his colour choice but also his clean linework and fresh interpretations of familiar subjects.

Barcelona-based illustrator Cristina Daura’s editorial and commercial work is well-accomplished and retains a real sense of Cristina’s personal style throughout. Using a strong palette of vivid primary and secondary colours there’s a freshness to her work and the way she depicts characters and objects, which is enhanced by the black outlines making everything extra crisp.